Note: I edited out the names of the teacher and the principal, and in this version refer to them as "the teacher" and "the principal."
May 3, 2005
Dear Board Member,
I am writing to see if there is anyone on the Board who is willing to acknowledge that I was reasonable in requesting that my son's kindergarten report card be changed so that it accurately reflects his abilities, specifically the fact that he could read.
My son was able to read before he entered kindergarten. I spent much time with him in teaching him how to read. I had him independently evaluated by Huntington Learning Center and they confirmed that he could read. The teacher, by her own admission, never asked my son to read. Yet, his kindergarten report card reflects an inability to read.
Neither the teacher, nor the principal was willing to change the report card to reflect the truth or to have the record reflect that he was not evaluated in the areas that would reveal his ability to read.
Even though Mr. Farnsworth was presented with overwhelming evidence that my son could read, including an independent professional evaluation, Mr. Farnsworth was willing to throw common sense out the window to defend a teacher who obviously did not do her job properly.
My meeting with Mr. Farnsworth and the principal was a travesty. Mr. Farnsworth opened the meeting by letting me know that no further action would be taken to resolve this matter. Neither the principal nor Mr. Farnsworth was willing to admit that a simple mistake was made that should have been corrected. Instead, Mr. Farnsworth criticized me by characterizing me as unreasonable and taking “this too far,” while they exalted themselves with accolades about their professionalism.
My son deserves an accurate evaluation of his abilities. Doesn't he? Is it unreasonable for me to ask for such a thing? I would really like to know, is there anyone within the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School administration who puts students’ interests above those of the teacher?
I am not asking for you to do anything except to let me know that you're out there.
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